Which Star Wars Movie Has the BEST Opening Scene? 

What are your favourite opening scenes?

“Which Star Wars Movie Has the BEST Opening Scene?” Revenge Of The Sith.

The fact A New Hope manages to have such a long opening without dialogue is such a marvel

An underrated aspect of the Phantom Menace opening is how it parallels the A New Hope opening. It starts with a similar ship, with Ambassadors on a mission, but this time they're heading toward danger instead of away from it which is thematically relevant to the story of the prequels.

The revelation that the Rian Johnson cutout is sentient and can change his facial expressions was oddly unnerving. It’s weird seeing what I had once assumed to be an innocuous piece of background scenery suddenly become important.

My two favourite opening scenes are Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. They are also my two favourite Star Wars films so I guess that's why I like them so much

One aspect you didn't really touch on was how the music played into the scenes. Whenever I hear the lone drums of Revenge of the Sith start playing I instantly get goosebumps. Easily my favorite star wars opening by far.

My favorite is probably revenge of the sith. the way anakin and obi wan's fighters dip over the sides of the venator into the massive battle is incredible.

One thing i feel like you should have mentioned for attack of the Clones. The ships have to re align themselves from the galactic spin they came in from, and re align with the particular hemisphere that they were intending to land on. Thats my dad's favorite shot in all of star wars

ROTS is the best one. Drums at the start, sun flairs, beautifly designed ships and amazing soundtrack.

The fact that the ship came free with the bail organa set cracked me up

I can't believe I was jump-scared by the Rogue One sound effect for a second time.

You do know that the opening scenes aren't just the first few seconds right? Rise of Skywalker's opening scene ends after Kylo meets Palpatine.

I like how you include the sound effects that you are talking about in the background.

Nothing will beat the original opening: A New Hope, the very first time anybody saw a Star Destroyer fly overhead

Love to see that he’s a LEGO fan too (Bail Organa comment was great lol)

8:00 George did that a lot if you look hard enough. A lot of the movies did similar things but one of them would do it differently. There’s a channel called Rick Worley who talks about all the different things in the prequels that rhyme and intentionally are similar to each other to harken back and echo previous scenes.

I love your passion in this video, it's really refreshing compared to the usual stuff I watch. Kept it interesting and on topic too. Love it!

While I completely understand playing TROS in last place, I actually really like the composition of the Star Destroyer and Tie Fighters in front of Mustafar. At the very least I would’ve put it above TPM, but I get it and do appreciate giving credit to the planet’s shadow covering the stars being cool. Your list and commentary is awesome!

Detest the sequel trilogy with passion, but that silent shot of the Star Destroyer silhouette cutting over the planet was kino.

New Hope might not be my favourite film in the series, but damn if it doesn't have the most iconic opening, perhaps even in the whole of cinema history 😊

I still remember how jarring Episode 9's opening was in the theater. It pans down to this planet, which the crawl doesn't say anything about, you think we're gonna see ships fly in, like usual, and then BOOM! Suddenly, we cut to inside, and see Kylo Ren killing a bunch of goons that we've never heard of before, and will never see again. Literally, the only context we have for that scene, is that Kylo is looking for the Wayfinder. Honestly, the best thing I can say about that scene is that it foreshadows the extremely fast pacing of the movie, and the "we don't have time, go!" energy of the whole thing.

I am so here for this video. VERY relieved my boy RotS got second place. Easily the most exciting opening shot/scene/act of a Star War.

It just occurred to me when you kinda threw shade at the text crawls… but yeah, that exposition dump is basically the definition of bad writing, but because I encountered these movies as a kid and perceived them as “grown up” the fact that they began with reading made sense…. And then I just kinda took the text crawls for granted. What I will say in defence of the exposition dump, is that I don’t think there was really anything like Star Wars before Star Wars. I think you can drop an audience cold in a sci-fi world now BECAUSE of Star Wars. But I think the original movie probably knew it needed to give context or the audience could get lost

Although my own list might be slightly different, it wouldn't be much different. Your reasoning is very succinctly explained. Although I haven't always agreed with your conclusions I have loved your channel from the start, simple but creative. Friendly and fun too.

Cool vid. This was a good concept for a video, and I have to respect a fellow TLJ enjoyer.

I'd personally rank phantom menace higher as it's quite mysterious imo and the idea of a small ship going towards the larger enemies is a neat flip of a new hopes also the joke about buying the bail organa minifigure and getting the ship with was extremely funny

Revenge of the sith has the mother of all openings! From ships fighting in the background to Anakin and Obi wan being chased by the vulture droids and buzz droids and Grievous's introduction. To the battle with Dooku, Sith has it all!

I've given this far too much thought too, I was always so excited to see how the new movies started. It feels wrong to rank anything above the original, but every time I finish watching Revenge of the Sith I get the urge to go back and watch the entire opening scene again, which is something I can't say about many movies.

The Rogue One “I like some things about this movie” on top of a shot of Bail Organa is why you’re my one of my favorite Star Wars RU-vidrs 😂

I think in Rise of Skywalker J.J. Abrams was trying to highlight the return to Mustafar itself. It's supposed to be a quick shock reveal like for himself and casual fans who only watch the films. Not defending it. Just trying to think like Abrams.

I recently did a full edit of Episode 9, meant to more effectively follow The Last Jedi. Removed Palpatine and changed Rey’s backstory, as well as a new opening scene and a lot more. I think you’d find it worth taking a look at.

In my opinion, Return Of The Jedi has a good opening scene. I know, seems kind of boring. But I really like it because of the music and how well it all fits in with the Imperial Shuttle leaving the star destroyer hanger and heading to the Death Star II. And oh my, the music for when they reach the Death Star II is just golden. It really emphasizes how the Empire evolved!

Great video, for some strange reason I’ve never thought to compare any of the opening shots😅 I’ve had my favourites (your top 3 specifically) but never given it much thought. Considering how it’s the first thing the audience sees, they’re actually pretty important lol

A New Hope is by far the most iconic opening and can never be replaced but Episode 3 is hands down the best opening to a Star Wars Film. The visuals are simply breathtaking and its just an ode to any long-time star wars fan. When you pair the visuals to the sound track, it gives the audience an insane ride. You know George Lucas was finally able to use technology to express the sheer scale of the battles he had envisioned 40+ years prior to that opening crawl. This was, for sure, his gift to us the fans. With only 2 known re-used ship models visible in the entirety of the sequence (lukrehulk battleships and vulture droids) the whole intro felt entirely brand new while giving us just enough familiarity to be able to decipher "who's who" without a single line of dialog.

Despiste that New hope was revolutionary in the 70s i really think Revenge of the sith intro was better for all the context behind it, as a faithful follower of the Clone Wars series (2003's version) was the Best way to continue with the story and for that and for so many reasons I think Revenge of the sith deserve to be in number 1, but as always, is just one opinion

I would like to know why you liked The Last Jedi. So did I. I think that it has a few moments of flawed dialog, but I didn't let those moments take away from the good story.

Revenge of the Sith is the best opening. Large scale , good ole space battle between Republic and CIS forces. Good stuff.

TLJ’s fast pace opening is actually the PERFECT example of…. Drum roll please… SUBVERTING EXPECTATIONS! I’ll explain why: the opening gets you ready for fast past action and desperateness. Then, they immediately subvert that expectation by showing you the SLOWEST, STUPIDEST, MOST ILLOGICAL CAR CHASE YOU’VE EVER WITNESSED IN YOUR LIFE. So yeah, Rian really baked in that whole idea into every part of his movie ig. Good on him 😂

How you put Rise in last place is beyond me. Say what you want about the rest of the movie but Kylo's opening from Mustafar to Exegol was done really well and the transition from the wayfinder to him flying was dope as hell. Definitely better than at least half of the openings.

I’m looking forward to your videos each week. Since we are in a Star Wars/MCU doldrums from a lack of upcoming releases, I’m curious to see what creative topics you’ll come up with each week. The Percy Jackson video was a surprise for sure! Will you be talking about the Netflix Avatar adaptation?

Totaly ROTS. Best movie ever

Oh no Joe! It was going so well I was loving you and your content and reviews/opinions on things and then you had to go and say that the last jedi is one of your favourite star wars films... No no Joe! Why 😂😂

Obvs ANH is just the greatest opening scene in history - I always loved ROTJ opening scene on the death star. Perfectly sets up the movie and reveal of the Emperor. I know that's the planet bit but still it's one scene really.

The CR-90 is indeed a great design, though I think the CR-110 is better. It can have side mounted fighter ports that can fit A-Wings and forward mounted beam cannons that cut through frigates like a lightsaber through duraplas. All that with the same number of engines allowing for very similar or perhaps identical speed.

You got my attention by admitting that TLJ is your favorite of the series, and in your initial segment about TROS, I was impressed with the way you're able to talk negatively about the sequels without resorting to the same lazy criticism everyone regurgitates is refreshing. Good video on that alone.

I can't help but sense a level of guilt around "WatchmoJo Brennan", and I just feel like it must be said that it's not necessary. That was a stroke of pure genius.

Star Wars when Vader's ship moves across the camera chasing Leia's ship. Disney Star Wars shouldn't even exist.

Fun ranking! I felt for Rian at 4:39!

Quite honestly I feel Episodes 1 & 2 really phoned in the opening sequences to their respective storylines (compared to the original trilogy). I remember feeling bored right out of the gate in both movies upon my first viewing-- Honestly there were so many other ways they could’ve opened each film that would’ve been memorable/engaging without altering the overall storyline.

He’s not serious the Last Jedi is his favorite… is he?

I like Return of the Jedi opening, this is so classic Star Wars.

I agree 100%! You got a sub for liking Last Jedi, too.

The original's opening shot is perfection. It perfectly presents without words the dynamic, who the chips are stacked against. All other openings are simply off-shoots of this opening shot. And ROTS can't compare because it was done with CG and the OG was 100% practical. Not to mention it was chaotic action. If one were tossed into this, it would be hard to determine what was up and what was down. 77's was flawless "show, don't tell."

Star wars (what became the New Hope). Saw it in the theater when I was a kid and it was pure magic.

2 things I've always wondered; how film makers decide how to start their films and how RU-vidrs decide what to rank next 😂

Delightful Video!!

Attack of the Clones has such a cool opening with that twisting start.

"Star Wars movies are being made by Star Wars fans" is very generous. It'd be more accurate to say "Star Wars movies are being made to profit off of Star Wars fans"

yet another belter. belter shirt, that is, obviously

A lovely video Joe. Your mother would be proud.

In Space…there is no upside down. Totally agree with your countdown. I especially liked the opinionated disembodied head.

I think I agree with your ranking Jboi good job

The battle for Corrouscant is the best opening scene of every movie ever imo

Havent watched the video yet, but the answer is ROTS

he's joking about the last jedi being his favourite movie, right?

A New Hope is the most iconic. Revenge of the Sith is the most exciting. The Phantom Menace isn't great in and of itself but having been there when it debuted 15 years after watching Return of the Jedi in the theater at 3 years old, pretty exciting is an understatement.

The Phantom Menace is a good crawl but not the best. It shows the Jedi at their best and shows who they are: peacekeepers but skilled fighters

Star Wars has the best opening scene in the franchise, and arguably the best opening in cinematic history (Raiders is its only competition).

>”all that yellow yapping” Dead

A New Hope is iconic, sure, definitely not the best. Absolutely not the best.

Wait ... That was mustafar?

Ep.2 AOTC is THE ONLY ONE TO PAN UP So it’s the MOST UNIQUE And Visually Stunning/ Well ROTS is over the top in Visuals

attack of the clones' actually IS quite cool. I forget how great the sound design is in the prequels until I watch them and then it's probably THE highlight (along with the cool ships that I point at and go "thats a cool ship!"). Really like the ones that are quite playful about expectation so I think episode 1 (convinced it's playing off of ANH's opening), 2, Rogue One and that TLJ deleted scene are probably favourites of mine. But also 3 and Solo are just really fucking cool to me so i'm not actually sure I could possibly rank them.

I think episode 4 (or 1 if ygm 😅) is the best opening

Also such a copout to put RotS second instead of first. ANH is great, and is a phenomenal second place, but it absolutely does not top RotS

This list could probably be shuffled, but from best to worst: 4 2 3 1 6 5 The Clone Wars movie (if you want to count it) 9 7 8 Rogue One Solo

1:06 WatchMo'Joe -- Gotta Watch Mo' Joe MO' JOE!! ♫ Joe Brennaaaaaaaaan ♫ (G.I. Joe)

A New Hope It tells you everything you need to know about the struggle of the Rebels vs. The Empire. It's obvious how powerful the Empire is and how outclassed the Rebels are. You completely lost me saying TLJ is your favorite. Goodbye

I just find it really disingenuous to put TROS at the bottom and TPM and AOTC higher.

Seriously? The Last Jedi is one of the worst Star Wars movies, and the opening is beyond stupid. The bombers the Resistance uses are some of the worst ship ideas ever conceived, just there to be sacrificed to destroy a ship and that’s it. The dreadnought, as well is yet another villain ship with a huge exploitable weakness.

No way you just called Rogue One bad and TLJ your favorite in the same video.

Wait a minute wait a minute... This guy likes The Last Jedi and NOT Revenge of the Sith?! It's both or neither, pal. This ship's goin' down.

Obviously Revenge of the Sith is the best.

I dont want to be rude but if you would sit 30 cm farther from the camera, that would feel better. This feels like you talk into my face

If you'd included the '08 clone wars movie where would you have placed it?

u did not just call the last jedi ur fav movie

I'm sorry, did you just say the last Jedi is your favorite star wars movie. You are insane.

I find it fascinating that the legacy of what Star Wars WAS pre-2017 is so strong, people still have YT channels based on a now dead franchise.

In my opinion, Solo ends up as the odd one out not starting in space. Then ROS just has the most unoriginal and short opening. Rogue One’s opening just wasn’t very memorable for me. I have to admit that ROTJ doesn’t have a very unique start, but it’s still my favorite movie. TPM had really cool ships, but also not as interesting as the rest. ESB had a very intimidating entrance but not much action. Fifth goes to TLJ only because of Johnson’s solid cinematography, but it’s a terrible Star Wars movie otherwise. TFA had a very cool introduction to the First Order. AOTC’s first shot was just so elegant. ROTS hit so hard with one of the coolest looking battles. ANH is just so classic and unbeatable

Rogue one and rtos and new hope best

Just watched the Revenge intro again because I thought the placement was impressively high. I gotta say, I just don’t get what people see. Sure, there’s a lot going on, but it’s mostly just things whizzing past the screens. Several moments where a good chunk is just flat footage of Anakin/Obi Wan flying in a straight line with a big ship filling the screen and obscuring the battle. It is like cinematic key-jangling, and yet it’s arguably still the best bit of the movie.

I didn't watch your video. The answer is Revenge of the Sith

I’ve had to call the fire brigade this is too much heat jboi

the first film (1977)

How about... Doctor Who openings?

Spaceballs has the best opening

Dislike cuz ep4 is above ep3

TLJ is your favourite Star Wars? Might want to check if you have COVID, cause you have no taste.

For me TPM definitely has the worst opening